The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the biggest disappointments so far in the 2025-26 NBA season. The team has stumbled out of the gate with a 2-7 record through their first nine games. While injuries have certainly played a role in their struggles, the front office’s failure to adequately address the roster’s key needs during the offseason is starting to take its toll.
### Injuries Impacting the Mavericks
With Kyrie Irving still sidelined recovering from a torn ACL, all eyes were on Anthony Davis to lead Dallas this season. Unfortunately, Davis has also been plagued by injuries. Ahead of their upcoming game against the Washington Wizards, the Mavericks made a significant announcement regarding his status.
### Anthony Davis Ruled Out vs. Wizards
Anthony Davis was the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that brought him to Dallas last season in exchange for Luka Doncic, a move that sparked plenty of debate among fans and analysts alike. Despite having Irving and 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg on the roster, Davis remains the Mavericks’ best player.
However, Davis has missed time recently due to a calf strain. Although he started and played in the first five games of the season — averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 52% from the field — his injury history continues to be a concern.
Initially, the team listed Davis as questionable ahead of the Washington game, fueling some hope he might return. But with tip-off approaching, head coach Jason Kidd confirmed that Davis is still not fully ready to play, ruling him out for a fifth straight game.
“Anthony Davis is out tonight for the fifth straight game,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd announced, as reported by Marc Stein on X.
### Mavericks Aim to Snap Losing Streak Against Wizards
It is no surprise that Dallas has dropped all four games they’ve played without Davis. The team’s offense has struggled to find rhythm in his absence, and defensively, they miss his presence as the best interior defender on the floor. Compounding matters, both young big men Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are also dealing with injuries.
Winning without Davis remains a major challenge, but the Mavericks have a favorable matchup against the struggling Washington Wizards. The Wizards are one of the few teams performing worse this season, holding a 1-8 record through their nine games.
The Mavericks’ game against Washington is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday night. If Dallas fails to secure a win—even without Davis—the team could face a downward spiral as the season progresses.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/major-anthony-davis-injury-announcement/